World Hit Festival 34 - Vodiznad, Izmedu | OOC

by **Izmedu** » Mon Jul 17, 2017 5:40 pm

WELCOME TO THE 34TH WORLD HIT FESTIVAL

DRAFT THREAD - IC THREAD

Cosneolta won in Avranches with their song, "Flying Above" by Convikt ft. Rachel Nollov. It was a stunning victory for Cosneolta, winning by 1 point versus the runner-up. However, PaintDryTV (their broadcaster) have confirmed that Cosneolta cannot host the next WHF. Thus, the honor of hosting fell to the runners-up, Izmedu. RTI accepted the hosting rights and are staging the contest in Vodiznad.

What is the World Hit Festival?
The World Hit Fesitval (WHF) is a multiversal song competition. Each nation shall enter 1 song and 1 artist, and it shall be 'performed' via roleplay. Most nations tend to use a real life tune as a musical backing, but every entry submitted to the World Hit Festival is required to have original lyrics (ie. if you submit a tune, you must re-write the lyrics), so this does mean that instrumental tunes are blocked from entering the contest.

WHF operates with three threads, the OOC, Draft, and IC threads. The one you are seeing now is the OOC/Sign-ups thread, the main place for you to discuss the contest, reveal your entrant, etc. All OOC chatter goes here. The Draft Thread, opened by the host, is the second thread opened up during a WHF contest, and this draft thread is where nations will post and work on their entries until a deadline determined by the host. The IC thread, also opened by the host is the third and final thread attached to a WHF, and it is where the host will transfer your entries.

The World Hit Festival has had a very long history in NationStates, and a thread by the second overseer (Euskirribakondara) has been created to compile this long history. Click here for a thread with links to every OOC and IC thread of all World Hit Festivals so far. Click this for a statistical database of all WHF participants. (the latter link is outdated). For winners, click here to see a full list of all WHF winners with links to their entries.

For those wanting a look at the immediate past, here are a collection of links to the most recent WHF: OOC Thread - Draft Thread - IC Thread

We also have a Discord server!

A special World Hit Festival event called "Bring Us The Songs" is being hosted by the third overseer, Kalosia. Click here for the OOC/Sign-Ups thread!

Details on the host city and the show.

Schedule

Draft Thread Opens: July 29, 9:00PM PDT
Sign-Ups Close: August 5, 9:00PM PDT
Deadline for Entries, IC Thread Opens: August 12, 9:00PM PDT
Voting Deadline: August 19, 9:00PM PDT
Results Revealed: August 25-26

Rules and Procedures

A nation is allowed to submit 2 puppets maximum to the contest, meaning that a user can be controlling at most 3 nations in the contest.
The voting procedure is as follows: 5 points to your favorite, 4, 3, 2, and 1 to your 5th favorite. All votes are sent to the host through telegram.
Users are allowed to receive 8 points maximum from their puppets. Meaning, a nation with three users can use Nation B and C (with B and C giving 4 points each) to give Nation A 8 points total, but nothing more.
A nation is also required to vote, but there is no penalty for not voting. The host will make up your votes in the event that they do not have your votes.
All or at least most of the written lyrics must be original. Should any user spot any concerns, don't hesitate to let the overseer or current host know.
If more than 30 nations successfully post complete entries on the draft thread, semi-finals will be held.

Signing Up
You've read the rules and what it's about, and you wanna join? Awesome! To confirm that you are indeed participating, fill out the sign-up form below. It is not necessary to immediately complete the sign-up form in full immediately, as a post saying you'll participate is also fine. However, please do fill out the form to completion during the contest.

Code: Select all: [box][b]Nation:[/b] [b]Broadcaster:[/b] [b]Song Title:[/b] [b]Artist:[/b] [b]Language(s):[/b] [b]Title Transcription (if required):[/b] [b]Title Translation (if required):[/b] [b]Tune:[/b] [b]A picture that represents the 'past,' 'present,' or 'future' (you can either incorporate one, two, or all themes) of your nation:[/b] [b]A picture of a musical activity in your nation:[/b] [b]Translate 'this is my story' in your national language:[/b] [/box]

For WHF veterans, this sign-up form will look very familiar as it is the same sign-up form for the past 15 editions. However, for debutantes, I have provided a sample application using WHF32's winning entry in a spoiler, with explanations in brackets.

A special note: For this particular WHF, there are three special postcard-related items that the host has requested. The details will be explained in a separate OOC post.

Participating Nations
Aloquirbe: "Throw Your Rubbish In The Bin" by ZeeZee
Antahbrantahstan: "Jangan Lupakan Aku" by TBD
Balkvla Islands: "Juice Surge" by Vaporwares
Bojikstan: "The Red Parade" by Nine Twenty Two
Britonisea: "I Was Dancing With Stars" by Etela Tomac
Cosneolta: "Stormy Weather" by Orchestrata ft. Hautes
Darkmania: "For deg" by Smokefilled Spirits ft. Ädriän Rerdimÿr
Estogium: "Rabatarxe" by Shyna Kumbes
Ethane
Goluta: "Perfect" by Kajj Berinn
Grellenbyōsha-ga
Fromulya
Gim
Hesskin Empire: "Together" by The Paul Compound
Izmedu: "Remekdjelo" by Josipa Milas
Kalosia
Kwadai: "Samurai" by Ariadne
Manaime: "War Light" by Elle
Mercedini: "Don't Tempt Me" by Daniel Alishkaerni
Monaeroglisseurest Pleindanguilles: "How About No?" by Zebulon the Almighty, Knight of Lord Cupcakke and Saviour of Music, The Holy Spirit Reincarnate and Emperor of Spacetime Itself
Normandy and Picardy: "Fairytales" by Martin Avenu
Norjihan: "Time To Stop" by Veryn Porun
Polkopia: "Psycotic" by Ada Filipović
Skanden
Todaskakys: TBD by Zarya Reyana
Todlichebujoku: "Erás Tappio, Tokystare" by Satu Sorge & Arasko
Togonistan: "Broken Deep Inside" by Eliah Hamous

It's a lot to take in, but as I've mentioned before, there are nations here that are willing to help. If you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask them on this thread or to TG any of us. Most importantly, enjoy your time here and enjoy the music.

by **Izmedu** » Mon Jul 17, 2017 5:41 pm

This post will be used to explain the three postcard-related items on the sign-up sheet.

A picture that represents the 'past,' 'present,' or 'future' (you can either incorporate one, two, or all themes) of your nation: This picture will be a picture that will hark back to this edition's theme. You can either present a picture of your nation's 'past (either recent or ancient), choose a picture that reflects the present moment of the nation, or choose a picture that represents your nation's future. In either case, this picture is your opportunity to show the story of your nation through a visual aid. You are free to incorporate one, two, or all three themes in the picture you choose, and you are also free to mix and match.
A picture of a musical activity in your nation: This picture touches on the musical side of the theme. You will select a picture that shows a musical activity occurring within your nation. It can be small, large, etc. (someone playing an instrument to an arena show, etc) If the picture shows a musical activity happening, it is fair game.
Translate 'this is my story' in your national language: Self-explanatory. Languages not in English are encouraged.

If you have questions, please feel free to TG or message the host via Discord.

by **Manaime** » Mon Jul 17, 2017 8:51 pm

Nation: Manaime
Broadcaster: RRN

Song Title: War Light
Artist: Elle
Language(s): Reddish, English
Title Transcription (if required):
Title Translation (if required):
Tune: Spotlight - Sohee

A picture that represents the 'past,' 'present,' or 'future' (you can either incorporate one, two, or all themes) of your nation: The battle may be over, but it's not truly over yet.
A picture of a musical activity in your nation:
Translate 'this is my story' in your national language: Amplomaneten'homelf.

by **Kalosia** » Mon Jul 17, 2017 11:59 pm

Oh my god Izmedu you have truly outdone yourself I absolutely love those graphics!!!!!!!!

Anyway Kalosia's in, and pre-confirming Fromulya and Skanden as puppets.

by **Darkmania** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 1:14 am

In, yet details are to come later.

by **Britonisea** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 1:48 am

Participating and preconfirming Estogium. Official applications will come when my entrirs are ready enough.

by **Normandy and Picardy** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 4:17 am

Nation: Normandy and Picardy
Broadcaster: NNN

Song Title: Fairytales
Artist: Martin Avenu
Language(s): English
Title Transcription (if required):
Title Translation (if required):
Tune: Claude Capéo - Ca va ça va

A picture that represents the 'past,' 'present,' or 'future' (you can either incorporate one, two, or all themes) of your nation: Mt St Michel : This is a symbol of our heritage, history and faith, as well as of the present with our focus on culture and respecting the past whilst going forward, and the future in that we will always retain our uniqueness and keep that Normand charm.
A picture of a musical activity in your nation:A violin lesson at the Cherbourg College of Music
Translate 'this is my story' in your national language: C'est ma histoire

by **Darkmania** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 4:55 am

Darkmania selectes a vionlisit and a man with an eyepatch to WHF.

DaTV had planned to use SFD for WHF 34. However, due to low voter-ship, its has been postponed to a future WHF. DaTV has instead decided to be, once again, being experimental and has decided to use an instrumental song with few lyrics and send it to Izmendu. And they will be sending Säbrïnë "Smokedfilled Spirits" Hërdae and former soldier and now active singer Ädriän Rerdimÿr.

Säbrïnë "Smokedfilled Spirits" Hërdae (b: 17. September 1995) is the sole composer of the song. Having played violin since she was 4, she is known in the darkmanian music- community as "the best. Violist. Ever." She will be performing under her stage name, "Smokefilled Spirits".

Ädriän Rerdimÿr (b: 12. December 1984) is the singer of this song. Known for his eyepatch due to "war-stuff hitting his eye", he left the army to become a singer.

Nation: Darkmania
Broadcaster: DaTV

Song Title: For deg
Artist: Smokefilled Spirits ft. Ädriän Rerdimÿr
Language(s): Norwegian (Bokmål)
Title Transcription (if required):
Title Translation (if required): For you
Tune: Secret Garden- Nocturne

A picture that represents the 'past,' 'present,' or 'future' (you can either incorporate one, two, or all themes) of your nation: Here is “Spokesperson”, as our present.
A picture of a musical activity in your nation: Here is how someone plays guitar.
Translate 'this is my story' in your national language:
Norwegian: «Dette er historien min.»
Darkmanian: «Ër e ner störi.»

by **Polkopia** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 10:35 am

Confirming Polkopia's participation. The official application will be completed once the entry is decided.

by **Estogium** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 12:56 pm

RVC

"Rabatarxe" by Shyna Kumbes will represent Estogium at World Hit Festival 34

Listen to Shyna Kumbes studio version of the song

It has been announced that Shyna Kumbes will be representing Estogium in the 34th World Hit Festival. This is not the first time that she has represented Estogium before, though. The last time Shyna represented Estogium was in the WorldVision 47, where she came 9th place. Estogium has high hopes for Shyna and what she can provide to the table as Estogium's journey in the World Hit Festival is becoming more difficult and more treacherous.

Shyna will be sending the song, "Rabatarxe," which will be sung in English (for the verses) and in Britonish for the chorus. 'Rabatarxe' in English means "We will defend," as the song is about how their past has caught up to them and they need to defend themselves as if they don't, one of them will take the fall from it.

Shyna is due to perform her song in multiple locations, including in Togonistan, Britonisea, Arioslavia and Estogium.

Nation: Estogium
Broadcaster: RVC (Will broadcast on RVC 1)

Song Title: Rabatarxe
Artist: Shyna Kumbes
Language(s): Britonish, English
Title Translation (if required): We Will Defend
Tune: HERE

A picture that represents the 'past,' 'present,' or 'future' (you can either incorporate one, two, or all themes) of your nation: A locket
A picture of a musical activity in your nation: Music Studio
Translate 'this is my story' in your national language: "Vhosos et leerario"

by **Izmedu** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 6:13 pm

All of the apps and sign-ups have been ACCEPTED! Welcome aboard!

I would also like to welcome Manaime to the World Hit Festival, as far as I am aware, this is their first WHF appearance and application. Welcome aboard! Glad to see a new face

Additionally. I'd also like to welcome back Polkopia! Glad to have you with us in WHF-land again!

Below is the information for the Izmeduan entry.

Nation: Izmedu
Broadcaster: RTI

Song Title: Remekdjelo
Artist: Josipa Milas
Language(s): Izmeduan
Title Transcription (if required):
Title Translation (if required): Masterpiece
Tune: Fiorella Mannoia - Che sia benedetta

A picture that represents the 'past,' 'present,' or 'future' (you can either incorporate one, two, or all themes) of your nation: A picture of the tower of St. Pavle in Vodiznad, the perspective from the down-up, a symbol of both the Izmeduan past and the present.
A picture of a musical activity in your nation: A local klapa group photographed singing in Vodiznad.
Translate 'this is my story' in your national language: Ovo je maja priča.

I've been waiting for the right moment to deploy this particular tune since it was released haha. I was hoping to keep it in for longer, but I couldn't wait any longer. I can't wait to share this entry with all of you

Kalosia wrote:Oh my god Izmedu you have truly outdone yourself I absolutely love those graphics!!!!!!!!

Aww thanks :blush:

Like my other hostings you can thank behance, inkscape, and my desire for fonts haha.

First of all, the OP will be re-updated again after this post to add in my entry as well as Ethane's pre sign-up. Since the sign-up date does clash with his going back from Borneo, Ethane has told me via Discord DM that he wanted in on World Hit Festival 34. Due to his holiday circumstances, I will provisionally add Ethane's name on the participating nations list.

Otherwise, all nations should sign up as normal.

Now donning on the host cap, pretty much the way I'll run WHF34 will be very similar to the way I ran my three hostings (29, 30, and 31). Pretty much, for any GMTers, the deadlines are back in the weird spot of being in 5am GMT. So if you're living in Europe, do take note of the timestamps I use. The specifics of how the IC thread works (whether or not I'll have text-based postcards and etc.) are being determined atm. So I'll have more specifics for you at a later date.

The details of the show I have slated to come up this Saturday, so wait until then. I'm gonna try a few new things but I'll wait until I have more further details for y'all before I start teasing stuff haha.

I'm excited to be your host again

And I can't wait to see how the rest of this WHF unfolds!

by **Hesskin Empire** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 6:34 pm

Nation: Hesskin Empire
Broadcaster: Hesskin Empire Television(HETV)

Song Title: Together
Artist: The Paul Compound
Language(s): English(for this entry)
Title Transcription (if required):
Title Translation (if required):
Tune: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fMVdvuCekg

A picture that represents the 'past,' 'present,' or 'future' (you can either incorporate one, two, or all themes) of your nation:
Past/Present:

A picture of a musical activity in your nation:

Translate 'this is my story' in your national language:
(Language is not complete but it would sound something like) Leetet Jehfee
(Script no where near done but here is a basic of what it'd look like)

by **Izmedu** » Fri Jul 21, 2017 11:09 am

The Hesskin Empire's application to the 34th World Hit Festival has been ACCEPTED. Welcome aboard! To my knowledge, this is your first application to the WHF and thus, this is your debut outing. I can't be any happier. Finally, after ages of me going on and on about this contest, you've signed up and finally put in an app haha.

(for further context, Hesskin Empire are very close IC allies with Izmedu and the person behind this nation is also my closest friend in NS).

Also, for any interested nations, please do sign up!

It's great to see nations, both new and old, come around. If you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask them on this thread or drop me a TG.

As a brief update, I hope to have the show details in by tomorrow. If it turns out that I don't end up posting anything or if developing the details takes more time than anticipated, the latest these details will appear is by this upcoming Monday.

by **Mercedini** » Sat Jul 22, 2017 7:11 am

Nation: Mercedini
Broadcaster: ENM

Song Title: Don't Tempt Me
Artist: Daniel Alishkaerni
Language(s): English
Tune: Zayde Wolf - Born Ready

A picture that represents the 'past,' 'present,' or 'future' (you can either incorporate one, two, or all themes) of your nation: Severnaya Metel Cathedral - Shebchetsik, Mercedini: It encompasses the age old tradition of faith and celebration with the development and infrastructure of Mercedini. It is located in the 5th largest settlement and in the northernmost city in the country, hence it's snowy surroundings and it's title, the 'Northern Blizzard' Cathedral.
A picture of a musical activity in your nation: SongSearch in Action
Translate 'this is my story' in your national language: Questa èla mia Storia

by **Cosneolta** » Sat Jul 22, 2017 9:58 am

Nation: Cosneolta
Broadcaster: PaintDryTV

Song Title: Stormy Weather
Artist: Orchestrata ft. Hautes
Language(s): English
Tune: Anton Powers & Pixie Lott - Baby

A picture that represents the 'past,' 'present,' or 'future' (you can either incorporate one, two, or all themes) of your nation: Old Lighthouse - Coast of Cosneolta
A picture of a musical activity in your nation: Karaoke Bar, Obviously
Translate 'this is my story' in your national language: See On Mu Lugu

by **Britonisea** » Sat Jul 22, 2017 10:59 am

BVC

"I Was Dancing With Stars" by Etela Tomac will represent Britonisea at World Hit Festival 34

Yes, Etela! You have gone to so many places since your 2nd place in Vha Mehlodhivestoile, but you have reached your final destination. You are home!

Listen to Shyna Kumbes studio version of the song

Etela Tomac is an Izmeduan household name after she went to the World Hit Festival in Kyvivre, Britonisea and then went on to stay in Britonisea to participate in Vha Mehlodhivestoile. In the annual music competition, Etela Tomac came second with 84 points, which was 5 points behind the winner, Mehkl Maddox Ajax, who went on to represent Britonisea at WorldVision Song Contest 56, placing a respectable 9th place. However, after months of speculation whether Etela Tomac will be awarded the prize BVC was supposed to offer to her, Etela is finally, and officially, representing Britonisea.

The song, however, has undergone major changes in the lyrics department to make it more ready for the World Hit Festival. BVC are determined to place higher in World Hit Festival 34, in Vodiznad, after coming 11th in World Hit Festival. Fabio McAlpine, who directed the WorldVision Song Contest 57, spoke out about the Britonish result saying, "The result that we received was totally unjustified. I think that we did a lot better than our previous attempts in the World Hit Festival, and looking at the other performances, I totally think that we should have been in the top 5 - after all, we were a front runner, we got a fantastic reception, we had everything on our side, and yet, we didn't do very well. I would never say that nations or artists didn't deserve to win, but, I will say that the results from World Hit Festival 33 were quite disappointing."

Here is a sample of a bit of the song.

Hopes died long ago,
But I lived on in my thoughts.

I had only one big dream of a life I’d describe as surreal.
In my head, I kept it real.
But, in my heart, I was dancing with stars

We can't wait for Etela Tomac to grace the stage in Vodiznad.

Nation: Britonisea
Broadcaster: BVC (Will broadcast on BVC One)

Song Title: I Was Dancing With Stars
Artist: Etela Tomac
Language(s): English
Tune: HERE

A picture that represents the 'past,' 'present,' or 'future' (you can either incorporate one, two, or all themes) of your nation: New Tech vs Old Tech
A picture of a musical activity in your nation: Final preparations to the 57th WorldVision Song Contest in Machievelihe, Britonisea
Translate 'this is my story' in your national language: "Vhosos et leerario"

by **To-Das Kavysyan Kystareyu Syyeryn Joraya** » Sat Jul 22, 2017 2:45 pm

Daskoxyan and Daskoranu Esakareyva (DasEs) debuts in the World Hit Festival via a collaboration with the Tödlichebujoki government and TÖBUK. This is the Tobu-Daska Kavysyan Kystareyu project, also known as To-Daskakys (or just Todaskakys), and it will function as a stepping stone for Daskoxyan proper to join.

Currently the project is in the early stages of internally selecting an artist, which will be announced later.

Nation: Todaskakys
Broadcaster: TDKK

Song Title:
Artist: Zarya Reyana
Language(s): Azzadei
Title Transcription (if required):
Title Translation (if required):
Tune: twoloud & FRDY - Fix Me (Orchestral Version)

A picture that represents the 'past,' 'present,' or 'future' (you can either incorporate one, two, or all themes) of your nation: Our galaxy
A picture of a musical activity in your nation: Since Todaskakys represents the cooperation and synthesis of Tödlichebujoki and Daskoxyani culture and technology, what better way than to show a Tödlichebujoki DJ showcasing his latest mix via fuosyeryn, or visimusic (music expressed in a three dimensional form)? One could even tie this back to the galaxy image
Translate 'this is my story' in your national language: Okay you have multiple interpretations of this:
"and so yeah, this is my story": Cokoysena
"THIS is my story": Co koysena
"THIS is MY story": Co koi sena
"Cokoysena" in the Algo script, jumpin' on dat bandwagon:

by **Todlichebujoku** » Sat Jul 22, 2017 9:29 pm

oops forgot to sign my main nation up

Nation: Tödlichebujoku
Broadcaster: SterGo100

Song Title: Erás Tappio, Tokystare
Artist: Satu Sorge & Arasko
Language(s): Tödlichebujoki Suomi & Azzadei
Title Transcription (if required):
Title Translation (if required): One Loss, One New Beginning
Tune: Lana Del Rey ft. The Weeknd - Lust For Life
A picture that represents the 'past,' 'present,' or 'future' (you can either incorporate one, two, or all themes) of your nation:
Sukeltaya Lighthouse, on the Tunturifalkonin Rannikko
A picture of a musical activity in your nation: Saulesustayishventki, the twice-annual solstice music festival in Schlechtenhanashi
Translate 'this is my story' in your national language: Oma tarina on

by **Antahbrantahstan** » Sun Jul 23, 2017 12:12 am

i signup.

Nation: Antahbrantahstan
Broadcaster: RR (Will be broadcast on RR 2)

Song Title: Jangan Lupakan Aku
Artist: TBA
Language(s): Indonesian, Kapulauan
Title Translation (if required): Don't forget me
Tune: Melly Goeslaw-Jangan Ajak Ajak Dia

A picture that represents the 'past,' 'present,' or 'future' (you can either incorporate one, two, or all themes) of your nation: An Imperial Gemstone from a deceased royal family member
A picture of a musical activity in your nation: Gamelan
Translate 'this is my story' in your national language: Inilah Ceritaku

by **Goluta** » Fri Jul 28, 2017 2:37 am

Nation: Goluta
Broadcaster: GW3

Song Title: Perfect
Artist: Kajj Berinn
Language(s): English
Tune: Up! - The Black and White Years

A picture that represents the 'past,' 'present,' or 'future' (you can either incorporate one, two, or all themes) of your nation: [url]http://i.imgur.com/lMgJl35.jpg[/url
A picture of a musical activity in your nation: http://footage.framepool.com/shotimg/742630285-karandila-sliwen-romani-people-clarinet.jpg
Translate 'this is my story' in your national language: Kess memmev tax soss.

by **Izmedu** » Fri Jul 28, 2017 11:35 am

All of the above sign-ups have been ACCEPTED and added to the OP! A lot of great pictures and potential entries coming through, hope to see more in the coming days

I profusely apologize for the now five-day delay in getting the details up. They will be done in the next post after this. They've been ready, but I tried a few things and RL got overwhelming in the midst of me experimenting. However, they are for the most part (aside from scoreboards) done.

#TellYourStoryThroughSong #WHF34 #BreakTheCurse

by **Izmedu** » Fri Jul 28, 2017 12:01 pm

All the details on the 34th World Hit Festival.

A Brief Introduction to the Host Country
For newcomers to the World Hit Festival, welcome to Izmedu! For old-timers who have been here for editions since WHF29, welcome back (again) to Izmedu! The host of the 34th World Hit Festival is a small nation nestled within the The North Pacific with a population of approximately 2,139,000 people. Izmedu's brief history is marked with turmoil. Marked with a chaotic founding, ensuing dictatorial period, and an equally tumultuous revolution that saw the formation of the current Izmeduan republic. The country is now ably governed by its new and young president, Zlata Jelenic. Despite economic and political struggles on-going in the country, participation in the World Hit Festival remains paramount for the country, especially as RTI has been elected to be the overseeing body of the World Hit Festival just a few editions ago.

Izmedu is a country whose culture steeped in a mix of primarily slavic, but also romantic and mediterranean influences. This is particularly found even in the Izmeduan language itself. While very much a south slavic language, there is a host of romantic influences in the language as well. It even plays host to the cities themselves, with Vodiznad and Mousiki (two cities that have played host to the World Hit Festival in the past) sporting a dual mix of slavic and mediterranean architecture and influences. Izmeduan culture (with an emphasis on music) remains one of Izmedu's strongest exports to the world, having found exposure and prominence through contests like the World Hit Festival, and also stakes an importance in domestic life as well. Music and cultural festivals are held all throughout the year. VodiOmni (EDM festival) and VodiFest (Izmeduan-language only festival) dominate the summer months while Visoka Moda (haute couture) month held annually in December in the Izmeduan city of Posony dominates the winter with a series of fashion shows and workshops that celebrate the best in Izmeduan high fashion.

The country how plays host to the World Hit Festival for the fourth time after Cosneolta declined the hosting rights. RTI has elected to stage the contest in Vodiznad, returning the festival back to the city for the third time.

Re-re-revisiting Vodiznad: Detailing Its Past, Present, and Future

A paranoma of Vodiznad from the Namjesnik Mountains

An alternate view in sunset

Vodiznad (population: 552,000) is Izmedu's capital, largest, and oldest city. By some distance, Vodiznad is the country's most prosperous and famous city, with its architectural landmarks (the Velikstav Walkway, St. Pavle's cathedral, and the Adviant Palace) being constantly used as postcards for Izmeduans wanting to trade images of the country worldwide. Like its parent country, the history of Vodiznad itself is steeped in chaos and tragedy, with the city being the site of multiple uprisings and rebellions. In more recent history, the country has increased in economic prosperity and was also the host of the 29th and 30th World Hit Festivals. The city itself, as mentioned in the introduction to the host country, is a mixture of the influences that make-up the country's cultural background. However, Vodiznad itself is also a mixture of the past and the present, and yet also is the gateway to Izmedu's future as a nation-state. Its architecture and people are constructs of the past and are the storytellers behind the city's origins, yet it is the best encapsulation of the Izmeduan present moment, and is also the cultural engine that will help define what the country will look like not only tomorrow, but in the far-off future.

Vodiznad was the first city to have been founded when the lands that consist of Izmedu were settled in the mid-1950s, initially being considered an informal city-state in Izmedu's earliest years before being considered the de-facto (then later, de jure) capital of the country in the ensuing years after. Thus, many aspects of Izmedu's short but haunting past are located in the capital. It is the site of historical attractions such as the Point of Croinova (where it is theorized that it was the exact spot the first Izmeduans stepped foot on the land), the Adviant Palace (the palace is named after the verb Advianti, meaning to appear), and the St. Pavle Cathedral. The Adviant Palace itself is actually considered to even pre-date the existence of Vodiznad itself, being the center of a long-gone romantic civilization filled within it an extensive and well-preserved literature that helped influence the slavic/romantic duality of Izmedu. These sites survive as remnants of Vodiznad's past and cultural heritage. Additionally, it has also suffered multiple riots, assaults, and destructive periods (including, but not limited to, the Vodiznad Uprising of 1956 and the multiple Battles of Vodiznad in 2007 and 2013) as it served as a convenient and symbolic site for those who sparked revolutions within the country. Despite this, the city survives into the present moment, ready to host the 34th World Hit Festival.

The country's present moment is dominated by its increased prominence in the international stage as playing host to two World Hit Festivals (factoid: Vodiznad is the second city to have hosted back-to-back World Hit Festivals, the first to do since Harrikes in WHF7 and WHF8) and benefitting from the increased international tourism. Not much has changed since the city's most recent World Hit Festival hostings, so the information from the two linked packets (WHF29 & WHF30) still applies. However, Vodiznad still has much to offer you. The usual array of hotels and hospitalities are still there, with vacation packages in either the old city, the modern district of Vodiznad, or in the outskirts of Vodiznad all open in anticipation for the upcoming festival. Additionally, familiar sites such as the Velikstav Walkway will play host to an integrated World Hit Festival event instead of being mere attractions. Indeed, sites like the Ganer Velikstav (a famous nightclub in the waterfront) will open up World Hit Festival booths to allow for a pre-contest exposition showcase that will last for a month in advance of the contest starting. This exposition showcase will be a chance for delegations and acts to promote their song and their nation in the host city.

The future of Vodiznad itself is rooted in the planned legacy that the channel has in mind for after the World Hit Festival 34 and prior to the hosting rights, to dramatic shifts in the country that have caused a gradual shift in the national and in the city's mindset. With World Hit Festival 34 comes the arrival of a second regular concert arena (which will be explained in further detail) that has estimated to have brought a mimi-stimulus package to the city. New convention centres and attractions are planned on being built in the outskirts, re-emphasizing Vodiznad's place as a center of Izmeduan entertainment and culture. Projects such as a museum of music, the renovation of eateries of in the Velikstav Walkway, and a project of expanding the city's 'newer' side with more hotels has caused Vodiznad to become not only the premier spot for culture, but also the site of new development.

We may have been here twice before, but you'll return to a city who knows and is proud of its history, but also knows when to look towards the future.

The Theme: Tell Your Story Through Song
At the heart of the Izmeduan philosophy towards its World Hit Festival entries is an aim to craft a narrative through every song. The way the show and the city has been marketed comes with a renewed focus on narrative. Vodiznad and all of its inhabitants all have a story to tell, they have a past, a present moment, and a future still waiting to explored. Thus, when planning this World Hit Festival, RTI wanted to focus on the basic principle of every song that has ever come through the World Hit Festival. Of course, it does come with a caveat that some songs defy the convention, yet every song that has ever been on the WHF stage has a story to tell. Whether it has a story in the lyrics, to a singer's personal and life struggles, or to even detailing a story through the performance itself. In your song and your entry is a narrative waiting to be told in some form.

Thus, this philosophy will be enlarged as a hosting concept. At the heart of hosting World Hit Festival is building onto a narrative that first started with the first ever contest in Necrobrachlesh, Saintrabina. The WHF is a weave of continuous musical narratives spun into one larger narrative, a symphony of a pulri-cultural legacy that lives on and flows through every contest. The crux of that heart lies at the music that resonates at the core of every World Hit Festival. It is through that music in which the story of the World Hit Festival gets told. Our job now, as the host, is to bring those stories center stage through the planned postcards and the general feel of the show. Every delegation will bring a story to the World Hit Festival, in which they will add onto that ever-growing network of narratives that we will seek to shine a light on.

Every song has a story to tell... Let your voice be heard.

The Venue

The La Cianta Arena (planned capacity: 25,000) is Vodiznad's newest and largest construction project in its modern history. Constructed in the wake of an anticipated demand of music concerts and international attention due to Izmedu's three hostings of the World Hit Festival, the La Cianta (colloquially translated as The Centurium) is an arena with over 10 years in the making, with its blueprints being developed by Izmeduan architectural mastermind, Ema Franicevic. The new arena would be designed to rectify the efficiency mistakes that were made at the older Dragulj Arena and as well as push the boundaries of what would considered to be good architectural practices. The mission statement was to create an elegant, efficient exterior with an interior that is maximized not only for size, but also for versatility in utiliziation. Not only would it be a bonafide, high-tech concert arena, but it can also be used for sports, international events, conventions, you name it. After numerous delays and lack of funding, the La Cianta Arena opens its doors in the nick of time to play host as the official venue of the 34th World Hit Festival.

The focus of La Cianta's design is an emphasis on sleekness and elegance. The arena in size and scope is actually shorter than the Dragulj Arena, but covers more ground space. Multiple stairs and verandas dot the vicinity of the arena and grass patches dominate much of the exterior. The Dragulj's glass paneling also makes a return, this time instead concentrated on the entrances of the La Cianta. The interior design however, is where this arena differs from its Izmeduan forebearers. While it does play host to a respectable array of concessions, the main focus was on carving out as wide of an interior space as possible to maximize capacity. Thus, the interior arena looks almost like a hollow, carved out egg. The strategy worked, with the capacity of the arena reaching an estimated 25,000. (two recent tests, a two-night stint by Anja Krajacic, estimated that the concert capacity would be about 22,100 people).

The La Cianta itself, similar to the Majcena Foruma, also represents Izmedu's most forward thinking and green-efficient construction projects to date. With the project being entirely brand new, it eliminated the need for retro-fitting and integrity testing and thus, top-of-the-line technologies and energy saving methods were installed in La Cianta from the get go. Energy-saving lights are used, a ventilation system with a much more sensitive temperature reading system, and additionally, the La Cianta is also powered with primarily renewable energy sources, with various solar panels installed on its roofs.

The Stage

Alternate views
View from the audience | View from the front row | View from the side

Breaking off from usual Izmeduan protocol and harking back to a return of the methodology used in the 29th World Hit Festival, the new Izmeduan stage will unfortunately not make the return of an orchestra. Instead, the stage itself is relatively simple but precisely designed with the concept of simplicity in mind in keeping with the aesthetic of the new edition. Designed by Izmeduan stage architect Dejan Susa, the focus here was to make sure that cleanliness was emphasized and the stage, from any angle, would look aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, there were challenges for having to design with the new arena configuration. Despite the La Cianta offering a bigger audience to work with, there was an expressed desire to also maintain an intimacy in scale not only to prevent the atmosphere from feeling too big, but also to allow viewers at home feel closer to the performers.

This new stage has all of the capabilities that delegations require it to need. Pyrotechnics, aquatechnics, lighting effects, hologram effects, etc. Whatever the effect, RTI has the means to help you make it into a reality. The following parts will explore particular parts of the stage in detail.

General Layout
The stage itself is subdivided into three levels, rather similar to the WHF31 design. The upper level serves as an entrance landing to the stage, with the second level (the middle) acting as the main part of the stage, then there is a landing that acts as the intermediary, and then finally, the lowest level of the stage that is closest to the audience. These aspects of the stage can be adjusted up and down but have limits so as to not ruin the integrity of the architecture. For example, the lowest level of the stage can be lowered down slightly further for greater fan interaction. The sides of the second level of the stage also contain the entrances and exits to the stage.

Light Pillars
The three light pillars are indicative of where the three levels of the stage start and end. These light pillars are fairly versatile in function; being able to function both as either a glorified light source or as an extra screen. Additionally, these pillars can also blend into the background if delegations need them to be so.

Main Screen
On the simulated picture(s), the main screen itself is represented by a single white block. On the actual configuration itself, the black space that is not lit up itself also represents the full extent of the screens on the actual night of the World Hit Festival. Additionally, the main door of the screen can also be used as a door to help introduce acts to the stage or for other creative purposes (such as heralding an additional light source). What is hidden behind the main screen or its use during an entry is entirely dependent upon the delegation.

Stage Floor
The stage floor itself is reflective, and the effects of it can be utilized to the fancy of the delegations. However, the stage floor itself, including the elevation that divides the stages into levels, also acts as a screen with the same capabilities as the main screen. Delegations are free to configure the floor visuals into whatever form they wish.

Postcards and Headers
The postcard style for this WHF will indeed mark the return of the text-based postcards pioneered by Euskirribakondara and Normandy and Picardy respectively in the 32nd and 33rd festivals. With the advent of the theme of narrative at hand, the postcards will themselves be little 'films' (via text) of your nation and entrant that are going to utilize the three items that are provided by nations on the sign-up sheets. Additionally, graphics at the style of the 30th World Hit Festival are set to return as well. The picture relating to your nation's story will act as the last 'frame' of your postcard graphically and will include the translation of 'This is my story' through the logo font, your entrant's name, your nation name, and your song name as well. Then, there will be the graphical header, which will contain the basic information on your entry (singer, nation, lyric writers, and music producers, etc.)

The way the postcard will work via text is simple. The first 'image'/frame of your postcard will be the picture of the musical activity of your nation in-progress. Then, your entrant will be found either observing or participating in the musical activity itself as an instrumental of your entry will be playing the background. This scene will continue on for a few moments until the activity ends, through which then your picture will then be contextualized into the scene in some form that only your entrant will discover. The instrumental of your song will play as the postcard ambles its way towards your last frame, and your entrant will then say 'This Is My Story' towards the camera just before the last frame.

An example of such would be here, using Izmedu's WHF33 entry and an entirely different set of pictures from the country's provided application:

The Izmeduan postcard commenced with a haunting scene of an classically-designed auditorium, the only light sources being shined upon a group of Izmeduan dancers who were performing a traditional dances to a modern audience.' Exactly who was dancing was difficult to spot at first, with four women being able to be identified. Eventually, the lone male in the dance was revealed to be Gordan Glavas himself, who was gamely dancing with the troupe as a soft, orchestral version of “Dignitet” played on the background. Then, the dance ended to the applause of the filmed audience, with Gordan's smile being focused upon for a few seconds before the camera cut to a slowly-zoomed out exterior view of where the auditorium was.

As it turns out, where the dance was being held was during daytime at the University of Vodiznad. Then, the scenes now transitioned into showing various moments of Izmeduan-aged college students milling about. A class scene was showed with a student studying on a laptop and finally, a student moving into a dormitory room. Then, the scene faded into the trademark glass building of the University of Vodiznad, with Gordan walking onto campus grounds holding a picture. He looked around as the scenes were played earlier were now shown on a massive scale, a vibrant University full of life behind his eyes.

The camera then cut to him standing in front of the building, as he said “Ovo je maca prica” to the camera. Then, it slowly bypassed him with this as the camera's final frame.

The Voting Reveal
There has been much internal debate over as to what voting reveal the style that RTI will use for the 34th World Hit Festival, but it has been decided that the style used in the 29th and 30th World Hit Festivals shall be used to reveal the votes. For nations familiar Izmeduan hostings, you will be familiar with the way Izmedu revealed the votes when the contest was last staged in Vodiznad. For debutantes, not to worry! The vote reveal mechanism shall be explained in due process. The vote reveal aspect of the WHF is one that does change from edition-to-edition as new hosts find a way to maximize the suspense of the vote reveal.

The way that the votes are revealed during an Izmeduan hosting is that they are done through 2 phases.

Phase I of this voting systems involves revealing the 1-4 (lower votes) that each country gave. One by one, we will go through each country in a pre-determined and randomly drawn order to reveal who they voted for. Additionally, there won't be an active scoreboard nor a spokesperson throughout this part as well. This is the phase where statistically, 2/3rd of the overall votes will be given out.

Phase II of the voting will where the remaining votes will be cast out. This part will focus on the maximum points you can give out, the 5 points. We'll go through each nation one by one in a randomly drawn order and your national spokesperson will be the one to reveal the votes. The last 1/3rd of the overall vote will be revealed here.

In the event of a tie, we introduce a Phase III. The way that ties are broken in the World Hit Festivals is as follows. We first start off by comparing which nation received votes from more nations (ex. If 2 nations score 22 points, but nation A is found to have been voted on by 7 nations, and nation B by 6 nations; nation A wins). If the tie persists, then we look at the nation that received more sets of 5 points, then 4 if it persists, then 3, then 2, and all the way down 1 if need be. In the unlikely event that we have 2 nations with an identical set of votes received, the tie will then broken by the nation who had the earliest edit on the draft thread (IC-wise this will be handled as the one who has the most televotes).

Sample voting graphics forthcoming.

And that completes all of the details of the 34th World Hit Festival. If there are any questions or concerns, you are free to contact the host through telegram or discord message.

Opening theme, opening act, interval act, and IC host (or hosts) to be revealed at the opening of the IC thread.

by **Kwadai** » Sat Jul 29, 2017 3:23 pm

Nation: Kwadai
Broadcaster: KDTV

Song Title: Samurai
Artist: Ariadne
Language(s): English, Japanese
Tune: FLETCHER - Wasted Youth

A picture that represents the 'past,' 'present,' or 'future' (you can either incorporate one, two, or all themes) of your nation: Traditional fishing boats dwarfed by the Ras Ayyad skyline
A picture of a musical activity in your nation: Arabia Lives Beach Festival
Translate 'this is my story' in your national language: هذه قصتي

by **Izmedu** » Sat Jul 29, 2017 9:05 pm

Kwadai's application has been ACCEPTED. Good to see you at WHF again!

World, I am proud to announce that the draft thread for the 34th World Hit Festival is now OPEN!

WORLD HIT FESTIVAL 34 - THE DRAFT THREAD

WORLD! START. POSTING. NOW!!!

As iterated on the OP of this thread and the draft thread, the deadline to post your entries is on August 13, 4:00AM GMT. In PDT terms, that is August 12, 9:00PM PDT.

For prospective nations still looking to join the contest, this is NOT the end of the sign-ups period! You have until the 5th of August to declare your interest. I want to see as many sign-ups as there possibly can be.

Good luck!

by **Bojikstan** » Sun Jul 30, 2017 1:03 pm

Nation: Bojikstan
Broadcaster: Strasburg Broadcasting Company

Song Title: The Red Parade
Artist: Nine Twenty Two
Language(s): English
Title Transcription (if required): N/A
Title Translation (if required): N/A
Tune: Welcome To The Black Parade

A picture that represents the 'past,' 'present,' or 'future' (you can either incorporate one, two, or all themes) of your nation: The civil war has been over for years, but Bojikstan is still transitioning into a stable state without corruption.
A picture of a musical activity in your nation: The country is increasingly becoming an international music destination.

Translate 'this is my story' in your national language: Esta es mi historia/Dette er min historie

World Hit Festival 34 - Vodiznad, Izmedu | OOC

World Hit Festival 34 - Vodiznad, Izmedu | OOC

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